Chapter 3

Arce

The Alpha strode inside as though nothing had happened, as if that vile act had meant less than air to him. But to me? It was far from nothing. His scent still clung to me, thick and revolting, like a stain I couldn’t scrub off fast enough.

And did he just call me little bird?

I forced myself to still, to compose, to bury the fire in my chest beneath a calm mask. If he wanted indifference, I would give him indifference, venom dressed as poise. With a lift of my chin, I followed after him, mirroring his ease, acting as if his touch hadn’t irked me.

The Alpha house was nothing like the lavish castles or glittering manors of the vampires. It lacked the cold opulence of marble and chandeliers, favoring instead a warmth that almost felt… cozy. Despite its towering exterior and grand arches, the inside was far simpler, humble, even.

“As you can see, Princess,” the Beta, whose name I had already dismissed as forgettable, droned beside me, “this will be your home for the year. It would be wise to familiarize yourself with each hall and room. This is the heart of the Veylor Pack, seat of the Alpha. It holds twenty-one bedrooms, four meeting halls, five dining rooms, not including the breakfast tables outdoors, and—”

His voice blurred into nothing, fading into the background like the hum of insects. My attention was fixed on the figure walking ahead of us, the Alpha himself. He moved with deliberate indifference, his steps claiming the space as though no one else existed. Not even me.

Hello? You dragged me here, mutt. The least you could do is acknowledge the chains you’ve bound me with. Better yet, fall to your knees and grovel where you belong.

“I would like to visit the human world. That much is still permitted, isn’t it?”

That got his attention.

In all my twenty-six years of existence, I hadn’t once set foot in the human realm. Typical. I was cursed to be born in the dullest era of vampire history.

“I was born here, so I’ve never even had a glimpse of it,” I added. Unlike most vampires, who were crafted from death, I came into this world the old-fashioned way, yes, through my mother’s womb. Just like the Elders. Just like every vampire noble. That kind of birth is only possible with Hades's anointment.

At last, he turned his head slightly, his eyes hard. “For now, you belong to this pack. Only vampires of standing are permitted beyond. Not you.”

I’m a vampire, though?! The words burned on the tip of my tongue, but spitting them out would only make me seem as ill-bred as these dogs.

So instead, I smiled. Sweetly. “I believe I still have the right to do so. This is a once-in-a-century experience I dare not pass. Even you can’t resist the taste of human flesh, can you?”

Not that I cared for humans. What I craved was the strength their blood carried.

“I’ll allow it if you prove yourself… entertaining enough. Until then, little bird, that body of yours is mine to decide what it’s worth.”

I knew it. Of course it was my body he was after. Typical mutt. I couldn’t blame him, though, among the vampires, I was bred with a body that could tempt even a priest.

Before I could snap back, one of his men leaned in to whisper something in his ear. The Alpha straightened.

“If you’ll excuse me, I have an urgent matter to attend to. I expect you at dinner tonight, little bird.”

And with that, he left, without giving me the satisfaction of a reply.

The Beta beside me finally let out a long, defeated sigh. “I don’t believe you’re listening to a single word I’ve said, so I might as well just take you to your room.” He didn’t even try to hide his exasperation as he turned to lead me down the hall.

“Here we are,” he said, stopping in front of a set of doors. “Two doors down to your left is the Alpha’s study. His room is on the other side of the hall, should you be… required there.”